Question

How do I know if my 14 month old has a sprain/strain or fracture??

She fell down the steps 4 days ago. No obvious bruising, very minor swelling. She won't walk or stand and refuses to put her weight on it. Took her to dr the day it happened, xray showed no fracture. Although, dr did say it would be difficult to see a fracture in a child so small. Told me to ice it, give tylenol/motrin if needed. If not better, call on Monday. Still not better, she still won't walk at all. She has stood by holding onto the couch, but she keeps her injured foot pulled up off the floor. If she loses balance and the hurt foot touches, she falls and cries :(
Dr is referring her to orthopedic specialist; appointment is Wednesday. In the meantime, what should I do/not do? It's very hard to see my sweet little baby in pain and not playing at all.

Mom Answers

I'm sorry your LO is in such pain. I'd do as the doctor instructed--frequent cold packs, Motrin, and elevate it until you can be seen by the specialist on Wednesday. There's not much else they can do other than wrap or brace it, but I wouldn't even do that without asking first if that is an option. Good luck, I hope she feels better before then.

Im with trae01, My son got a "nursemaids elbow" (its when it dislocates) when he was about that age, and he was doing the same type of behaviors (wouldnt move or use it even though it was his dominant hand) they figured out what was wrong right away with him and fixed it, though. The fact that youre having to wait kinda puts you in a bind, theres not much you can do with a baby that age aside from giving her motrin and trying to help her keep off of it. If shes in a ton of pain they can give her a script for tylenol with codeine (my little sister broke her foot when she was 2-- thats what they gave her) :o) good luck!! I hope shes feeling better really soon!

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